PANAMA CITY — The desire to help a deputy injured while riding his motorcycle a month ago has become contagious.
Deputy Chris Hollis and his girlfriend were riding down Harrison Avenue May 5 when the motorcycle they were riding was sideswiped by another vehicle, according to Lt. Myron Guilford with the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. Hollis managed to keep the bike upright, and his girlfriend escaped with minor injuries.
Hollis wasn’t as fortunate; the collision nearly severed his foot, Guilford said. He’s had at least three surgeries and lost a toe. He’s been hospitalized since the crash and is facing a long recovery.
A benefit has already been held at Dairy Queen Chill and Grill in Callaway, where Hollis is a patrol deputy. Since then, the Boost Mobile store in Callaway has gotten involved, donating airtime in its radio advertisements to raising awareness of Hollis’ situation, Guilford said.
One of the people who heard those ads was James Billig, manager of Domino’s Pizza on 15th Street, one of five franchises locally owned by Doug DeGood. They’re always looking for ways to help the community, Billig said.
“I just heard there was an officer in need…I knew that we could help him just as much as the other people were,” Billig said.
Billig got in touch with Guilford, and all week participating Domino’s stores are donating 20 percent of the pretax totals of orders from customers who mention Hollis’ name when they order.
Beef O’Brady’s in Callaway will also host a benefit June 19 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. featuring giveaways and a raffle featuring, among other items, jerseys donated by the NFL Players Association, Guilford said.
Guilford and other deputies are also selling armbands for $2 to raise money to help Hollis, and they’ve opened an account in his name at Tyndall Federal Credit Union to accept donations.
“Me, him and a couple other guys were a tight-knit group,” Guilford said. “We’re trying to get ahead of the game.”
For more information on how to help, visit the Deputy Chris Hollis Tribute Page on Facebook.